Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a visionary and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a high-growth, innovative medical device company based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the executive team. Our client is at the forefront of developing and commercializing groundbreaking medical technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care.
The Chief Financial Officer will be a true strategic partner to the CEO and the Board of Directors, responsible for the entire financial stewardship of the organization. This executive will play a critical role in shaping the company’s future, driving its next phase of growth, and ensuring its long-term financial health and sustainability. The ideal candidate is not just a financial gatekeeper but a forward-thinking business leader who can translate complex financial data into actionable strategic insights.
You will be instrumental in scaling the company’s operations, navigating the complexities of the global medical device market, and enhancing shareholder value. This position requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in the medical device or a related life sciences industry, possessing deep expertise in strategic planning, capital allocation, investor relations, and operational excellence.
You will be joining a passionate and mission-driven team dedicated to making a tangible impact on global health. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a world-class finance organization within a company poised for exponential growth and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer – Chicago, IL
The CFO will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational management, and external-facing duties. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to effectively manage the company’s capital, provide insightful financial guidance, and foster a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making across the organization.
Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning
Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team, providing financial insights to guide business strategy. Lead the development of the company’s long-range financial plans, annual budgets, and rolling forecasts. Develop robust financial models to support strategic initiatives, including new product development, market expansion, and potential acquisitions.
Financial Operations & Control
Oversee all aspects of the finance and accounting functions, including financial reporting (in accordance with GAAP), treasury, tax, internal controls, and audit. Ensure the integrity of all financial systems and data. Implement and maintain rigorous internal controls to ensure SOX compliance and safeguard company assets. Manage cash flow, debt facilities, and working capital to optimize the company’s liquidity and financial position.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the FP&A team to provide timely, accurate, and insightful analysis of business performance. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational efficiency and profitability. Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for the executive team and Board of Directors, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
Investor Relations & Capital Management
Serve as a primary spokesperson for the company to the investment community, including analysts, investors, and lenders. Develop and execute a comprehensive investor relations strategy. Lead all capital-raising activities, including equity and debt financing, to support the company’s growth objectives. Manage relationships with investment banks and other financial partners.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a key role in the identification, evaluation, and execution of M&A opportunities and strategic partnerships. Lead financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and negotiation of terms. Oversee the financial integration of acquired businesses to ensure the realization of synergies and strategic goals.
Team Leadership & Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Provide professional development opportunities and create a clear succession plan for key finance roles.
Regulatory & Industry Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all applicable financial regulations, including SEC reporting requirements. Understand and model the financial impact of industry-specific regulations, including navigating complex FDA regulatory pathways, reimbursement policies, and healthcare reforms. Oversee risk management and the company’s insurance programs.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking an accomplished and highly motivated financial executive with a deep understanding of the medical device industry and a passion for driving growth and innovation.
Core Qualifications:
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership position (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) within a relevant industry.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.
- CPA certification and/or an MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrable experience in a public company setting, with extensive knowledge of SEC reporting, SOX compliance, and corporate governance.
Industry & Technical Expertise:
Mandatory experience in the medical device, biotechnology, diagnostics, or a closely related life sciences sector.
A thorough understanding of the industry’s financial drivers, including R&D cycles, clinical trial costs, manufacturing, and commercialization is essential.
- Proven track record of successfully leading capital-raising efforts (both public and private equity/debt). IPO experience is highly desirable.
- Extensive experience in M&A, including target identification, due diligence, deal structuring, and post-acquisition integration.
- Sophisticated understanding of financial modeling, valuation, and analysis.
- Experience managing relationships with auditors, investors, analysts, and banking partners.
Leadership & Personal Attributes:
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-caliber finance team.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts to a wide range of audiences, including the Board of Directors.
- A strategic and analytical mindset, capable of seeing the big picture while also being attentive to detail.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and credibility.
- A collaborative and hands-on leadership style, willing to roll up their sleeves to achieve results.
- Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-growth environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
- A highly competitive base salary and executive bonus plan tied to company and individual performance.
- A significant long-term incentive plan with meaningful equity (stock options/RSUs) to ensure alignment with shareholder value creation.
- Premium, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to promote work-life balance.
- Executive-level perks such as a professional development allowance, executive coaching, and wellness programs.
- A comprehensive relocation package for the successful candidate, if required.
- The opportunity to work with a world-class team and make a lasting impact on an organization that is changing the face of healthcare.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this critical search. We are seeking candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also align with the innovative and mission-driven culture of our client.
If you are a visionary financial leader with a proven track record in the medical device industry and are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the finance and healthcare sectors. To learn more about our expertise in placing top financial executives, please visit the page for our Finance & Accounting Executive Search practice. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We look forward to reviewing your application.
